Post-mix beverage system

ABSTRACT

A beverage dispensing system comprises a container, an attachment mechanism, and a cartridge. The container may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. The attachment mechanism is generally located within the container. The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagement assembly may generally receive the cartridge within the attachment mechanism. The piercing portion may generally pierce the cartridge, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge into the container. The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge with the attachment mechanism. The cartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open the cartridge to be dispensed into the container, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge with the liquid within the container to create a drinkable beverage.

This application claims priority to Provisional Application, U.S. Ser.No. 61/093,090, filed Aug. 29, 2008, and Provisional Application, U.S.Ser. No. 61/146,156, filed Jan. 21, 2009, which are both incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to beverage dispensers and moreparticularly to post-mix beverage systems.

BACKGROUND

It is known that beverages are marketed, delivered and sold in a varietyof different types of containers. The type of container utilized maydepend on several factors, including, for example, the consumer forwhich the beverage is being marketed towards, the distributionchannel(s), and/or the quantity of beverage being sold. In this regard,beverages marketed towards consumers are often distributed in plasticbottles. Unfortunately, however, a large portion the plastic bottles aredisposed of as waste. While recycling efforts have increased, thebottles are purchased and consumed in areas where recycling is notavailable or feasible. Furthermore, plastic lids used for sealing thebottles are generally not recyclable and end up as waste, or worse yet,as litter throughout the environment. Additionally, these wastefulplastic bottles are also marketed and sold as “multi-packs” in whichfurther packaging, such as shrink-wrap and/or cardboard must be utilizedto contain individual bottles together as a multi-pack. Thus, such priorart delivery mechanisms generate a vast quantity of unwanted andunneeded waste.

In addition to having an adverse environmental impact, most prior artcontainers use valuable space, both in the retail environment and at theend-users' location, such as their homes. Past systems, known as“post-mix” systems, attempted to alleviate some of these drawbacks byselling concentrated beverage syrups designed to be diluted with aliquid, such as water. While known post-mix systems reduce wasteassociated with other delivery mechanisms, such as plastic bottles,these systems require large, expensive systems that are too complicatedand cumbersome for use by consumers other than retail establishmentsthat sell large quantities of beverages. Even for such establishments,the knowledge and costs required to maintain these conventional post-mixsystems is inconvenient. Furthermore, past systems are known to requirecalibration on a regular basis to ensure that the correct amount ofsyrup is properly combined with the liquid. In this regard, anymiscalibration or failure of the machine is often only discovered afterseveral customers complain about the taste of the beverage and furthertime is required to check and fix the ratio of syrup to liquid.

SUMMARY

The following presents a general summary of aspects of the invention inorder to provide a basic understanding of at least some of its aspects.This summary is not intended as an extensive overview of the invention.It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the inventionor to delineate the scope of the invention. The following summary merelypresents some concepts of the invention in a general form as a preludeto the more detailed description below.

Aspects of this invention relate to beverage dispensing system thatcomprises a container, an attachment mechanism located within thecontainer, and a cartridge adapted to engage the attachment mechanism.The attachment mechanism may comprise an engagement assembly, a piercingportion, and a valve. The cartridge comprises a pod and a cap. The podincludes a chamber, an opening, and a cover located over the opening,wherein the cap is attached to the top of the chamber. Additionally,when the cartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, theengagement assembly holds the cartridge within the attachment mechanism,the piercing portion pierces through the cap and the cover, and thevalve extends into the container.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to the cap including a foilretainer, wherein when the cartridge engages the engagement assembly,the piercing portion pushes against the foil retainer, thereby piercingthe cover with the foil retainer. Additionally, the foil retainer mayhold the cover over without allowing the cover to close over the openingof the cartridge.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to the cartridge and podbeing generally a circular-shaped vessel. Additionally, the cartridgemay hold one or more beverage ingredients, wherein the beverageingredients may be selected from the list comprising: syrup, paste,powder, or granules.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to a beverage system thatcomprises a housing that includes a first opening and a second opening acartridge defined as a dome-shaped vessel. The cartridge contains abeverage ingredient and the cartridge is sized and shaped to be receivedinside the first opening. The cartridge may include a sealing materialpositioned across the cartridge to seal the beverage ingredient withinthe cartridge. The beverage system may also include a water supplysystem. The water supply system may include a water supply lineoperatively connected at one end to a water source and at an opposingend to a needle. The needle may define a pointed open end to puncturethe sealing material and the cartridge. Additionally, once the needle ispositioned within the cartridge, water is passed into the cartridge tomix with the beverage ingredient to form a desired beverage.Additionally, the second opening may be sized and shaped to receive abeverage cup, the beverage cup capable of holding the desired from thebeverage system.

Additional aspects of this invention relate to a method for producing abeverage using a beverage dispensing system. The method comprises thesteps of: (a) inserting a cartridge into a container, the cartridgecomprising a pod and a cap, wherein the pod includes a chamber, anopening and a cover located over the opening; (b) rotating orpositioning the cartridge into an attachment mechanism located withinthe container, wherein the attachment mechanism comprises an engagementassembly, a piercing portion, and a valve; (c) applying pressure on thecartridge thereby releasing the valve into the container and piercingthe cover with the piercing portion; (d) mixing the contents of thecontainer; and (e) releasing the cartridge from the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention and certainadvantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the followingdescription in consideration with the accompanying drawings, in whichlike reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the beverage dispensingsystem from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2 illustrate a close-up view a portion of the beveragedispensing system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2B1 and 2B2 illustrate another close-up view a portion of thebeverage dispensing system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3 through 3D illustrate an exemplary cartridge for the beveragedispensing system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate perspective views the operation of thebeverage dispensing system from FIG. 1 in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIGS. 5A through 8B illustrate various examples of a container for abeverage dispensing system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 9A through 13B illustrate various examples of an attachmentmechanism for a beverage dispensing system in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate an example half-pod cartridge inaccordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 15 through 17 illustrate various examples of an alternativebeverage system in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 18-23 illustrate various examples of beverage systems that may beused in numerous configurations in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative example of a beverage system inaccordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 25 illustrates an example needle to be used with the beveragesystem in FIGS. 15 through 17 in accordance with the present invention.

The reader is advised that the attached drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description of various examples of the invention,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a parthereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration various examplestructures, systems, and steps in which aspects of the invention may bepracticed. It is to be understood that other specific arrangements ofparts, structures, example devices, systems, and steps may be utilizedand structural and functional modifications may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. Also, while the terms“top,” “bottom,” “front,” “back,” “side,” and the like may be used inthis specification to describe various example features and elements ofthe invention, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience,e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures. Nothing inthis specification should be construed as requiring a specific threedimensional orientation of structures in order to fall within the scopeof this invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a beverage dispensing system 100 inaccordance with the present invention. The beverage dispensing system100 includes a container 110, an attachment mechanism 120 and acartridge 150. The container 110 may hold a mixing solution or liquid,such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge 150. Theattachment mechanism 120 is generally located within the container 110.The cartridge 150 generally engages with the attachment mechanism 120 toopen the cartridge 150 to be dispensed into the container 110, therebycombining the contents of the cartridge 150 with the liquid within thecontainer 110 to create a drinkable beverage.

The container 110, as illustrated in FIG. 1, may be generally in theshape of a bottle. The container 110 may be a variety of other shapes,without departing from this invention. The container 110 may include acap 112. The cap 112 may seal an opening at the top of the container 110where a user can drink from the container 110. Additionally, thecontainer 110 may include a base or bezel 114. The cartridge 150 may beinserted through the base or bezel 114 to engage the cartridge 150 withthe attachment mechanism 120. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this base orbezel 114 is located at the bottom of the container 110. The base orbezel 114 may be located at different areas of the container 110 asdiscussed below without departing from this invention.

The attachment mechanism 120, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A,comprises an engagement assembly 122, a piercing portion 124, and avalve assembly 126. The engagement assembly 122 may generally receivethe cartridge 150 within the attachment mechanism 120. The piercingportion 124 may generally pierce the cartridge 150, thereby releasingthe contents of the cartridge 150 into the container 110. The valveassembly 126 may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge 150with the attachment mechanism 120 thereby allowing the mixing of thecontents of the container 110 with the contents of the cartridge 150.

The engagement assembly 122 may include a locking mechanism 128 toengage and hold the cartridge 150 in the container 110. The lockingmechanism 128 may include a rib 130 which matches with and engages thecartridge 150. The locking mechanism 128 may also include a spring (notshown in FIG. 1A), such that when the cartridge 150 is inserted into theengagement assembly 122, the spring provides a biasing force to thecartridge 150 to more easily engage the rib 130. Additionally, thelocking mechanism 128 may include a cam or a lever 134 such that whenthe cartridge 150 is snapped into a locked position, the piercingportion 124 and valve assembly 126 are engaged as will be explainedbelow. The spring may also bias against the cartridge 150 as thecartridge 150 is snapped into the locked position.

Additionally, the engagement assembly 122 may include a releasingmechanism 136 wherein the releasing mechanism 136 releases the lockingmechanism 128 to release the cartridge 150. The releasing mechanism 136may be in the form of a rotating bezel, wherein the user can release thecartridge 150 by rotating the bezel (as shown in FIG. 4F). The rotationof the bezel may eject the cartridge 150 and return the attachmentmechanism 120 to the starting position. Additionally, the releasingmechanism 136 may be in the form of a release button or a release lever,wherein the user may press the release button or slide the release leverto release the cartridge 150. Other means to release the cartridge 150may be used with the engagement assembly 122 without departing from thisinvention.

The engagement assembly 122 may also include a cartridge sealing portion138. The cartridge sealing portion 138 seals the area around the top ofthe cartridge 150 to the engagement assembly 122 when the cartridge 150is snapped into a locked position. The cartridge sealing portion 138ensures that the liquid or solution is contained within the cartridge150 during the mixing process. The cartridge sealing portion 138 mayinclude a gasket, o-ring, or grommet or other sealing structures inaccordance with this invention. The cartridge sealing portion 138 may bemade of rubber, plastic, or metal or other materials in accordance withthis invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the piercing portion 124 of the attachmentmechanism 120 may include an opening structure 140. The piercing portion124 may be cooperatively engaged to the cam or lever 134 such that whenthe cartridge 150 is pressed into the engagement assembly 122, thecartridge 150 is pressed against the piercing portion 124, and thepiercing portion 124 slides into the opening 158 of the pod 152. Theopening structure 140 may be sharp enough to pierce the cover 160 of thecartridge 150, thereby breaking the cover 160 on the pod 152, andallowing the contents of the cartridge 150 to mix with the contents ofthe container 110.

In another example in accordance with this invention, in cooperationwith a foil retainer 166 as explained below, the opening structure 140may be shaped such that it corresponds specifically with the flaps orretaining portions 170 on the foil retainer 166. In this example, whenthe cartridge 150 is pressed against the piercing portion 124, theopening structure 140 puts pressure against the foil retainer 166,specifically the flaps or retaining portions 170 on the foil retainer166. The pressure from the opening structure 140 causes the flaps 170 tobreak open, and fold into the cover 160 (if present), thereby piercingthe cover 160 on the pod 152, and allowing the contents of the cartridge150 to mix with the contents of the container 110. It is important tonote that the specific arrangement and configuration of the openingstructure 140 must match the flaps 170 on the foil retainer 166 for theopening structure 140 to adequately pressure and break the foil retainer166. If the opening structure 140 and flaps 170 on the foil retainer 166do not match, it is possible that the cover 160 will not be broken whenthe cartridge 150 is pressed into the locked position.

The piercing portion 124 may also include an internal sealing portion142. The internal sealing portion 142 seals the area around openingstructure 140 when the cartridge 150 is snapped into a locked position.The internal sealing portion 142 ensures that the liquid or solution iscontained within the cartridge 150 during the mixing process.

The valve assembly 126, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, may generally openupon engagement of the cartridge 150 with the attachment mechanism 120thereby allowing the mixing of the contents of the container 110 withthe contents of the cartridge 150. The valve assembly 126 may include avalve 144 and an elevator 146. The valve 144 may be cooperativelyengaged with the elevator 146 and with the cam or lever 134 of theengagement assembly 122, such that when the cartridge 150 is snappedinto the locked position and engages the cam or lever 134 of theengagement assembly 122, the valve 144 is moved from a closed positionto an open position. Generally, as pressure is applied to the cartridge150 and the cartridge 150 is snapped into the locked position, theelevator 146 moves and thereby engages the valve 144 and moves the valve144 to the open position.

In one example in accordance with this invention, as illustrated in FIG.2A, the valve assembly 126 may be in the form of a door-type valve 144A.The valve 144A, as illustrated in FIG. 2A may be hinged at one side,such that as pressure is applied to the cartridge 150A and thereby tothe elevator 146A and the spring 132A, the valve 144A swings to the openposition and into the container 110. Additionally, as the cartridge 150Ais pushed, the opening structure 140A moves into the cartridge 150A. Asthe valve 144A swings to the open position into the container 110, thecontents of the cartridge 150A and the contents of the container 110 canthen mix.

In another example in accordance with this invention, as illustrated inFIG. 2B, the valve assembly 126 may be in the form of a plunger-typevalve 144B. The valve 144B, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, may slide intothe container 110 as one piece as pressure is applied to the cartridge150B and thereby to the elevator 146B and to the spring 132B. When theelevator 146B is pushed against the valve 144B, the valve 144B movesfrom the closed position to the open position and into the container110. Additionally, as the cartridge 150B is pushed, the openingstructure 140B moves into the cartridge 150B. As the valve 144B slidesto the open position, the contents of the cartridge 150B and thecontents of the container 110 can then mix.

The valve assembly 126 may also include a valve sealing portion 148. Thevalve sealing portion 148 seals the area between the valve 144 and thecontainer 110 when the cartridge 150 is not snapped into the lockedposition. Prior to the engagement of the cartridge 150 in the engagementassembly 122, the container 110 may contain a liquid and the valvesealing portion 148 ensures that the liquid or solution is containedwithin the container 110 when there is no cartridge 150 and the valve144 is in the closed position. The valve sealing portion 148 may includea gasket, o-ring, or grommet or other sealing structures in accordancewith this invention. The valve sealing portion 148 may be made ofrubber, plastic, or metal or other materials in accordance with thisinvention.

The cartridge 150, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3A, may comprise a pod152 and a cap 154. The cartridge 150 is adapted to engage the attachmentmechanism 120 at the engagement assembly 122. The cartridge 150 may holdone ore more beverage ingredients, wherein the beverage ingredients maybe selected from the list comprising: syrup, paste, powder, granules, orother compositions. Additionally, the cartridge 150 may hold otheringredients or flavors, such as nutrients or vitamins, in accordancewith this invention.

The pod 152 is generally a vessel capable of holding a syrup, paste,powder, granules or other compositions. The pod 152 as shown in FIGS. 3and 3A is a circular-shaped structure that includes a chamber 156, anopening 158, and a cover 160. The cover 160 may be located over theopening 158 of the pod 152. An engaging portion 162 may be located nearthe opening 158, wherein the engaging portion 162 may be a snapstructure that engages the cap 154. Additionally, the engaging portion162 on the pod 152 may include threads that may engage threadedstructures on the cap 154.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 3D, the cover 160 may be a foil seallocated over the opening 158 of the pod 152. The cover 160 may beattached to the edges of the opening 158 of the pod 152. The cover 160may be made of a variety of different materials in accordance with thisinvention, such as: aluminum and sealing coatings or laminated withsealing polymers like polyethylene, metalized bioriented polypropyleneand sealing coatings or laminated with sealing polymers likepolyethylene, or metalized polyester and sealing coatings or laminatedwith sealing polymers like polyethylene.

In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the pod 152may include a locking portion 164. The locking portion 164 may beengaged with the engagement assembly 122 of the attachment mechanism 120to snap the cartridge 150 into the attachment mechanism 120.

As illustrated in FIG. 3C, the cap 154 may be attached to the top of thechamber 156. The cap 154 may be a snap-on type cap, wherein the cap 154may snap onto the top of the chamber 156. The cap 154 may also attach tothe top of the chamber 156 by screwing onto the top of the chamber 156.The cap 154 may be made of a variety of different materials withoutdeparting from this invention, such as: polyethylene, polypropylene, orpolyethylene or polypropylene closures with internal liners containingoxygen scavengers like: components of Hyguard™, Celox™, etc.

In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the cap 154may include a foil retainer 166. The foil retainer 166 may be in theshape of a disc located in the center of the cap 154. The foil retainer166 may include cut-out portions 168, thereby creating flaps orretaining portions 170 on the foil retainer 166 that may break-away withpressure. These flaps 170 are designed to cooperate specifically withthe opening structure 140 as described above. When the opening structure140 is pressed against the flaps 170 and the flaps 170 are pressed open,the flaps 170 may pierce the cover 160 and fold into the pod 152,thereby holding the pierced and cut portions of the cover 160 open sothat the contents of the cartridge 150 can mix freely with the contentsof the container 110. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, the cut-out portion 168may be in the shape of a cross, thereby creating four triangular flaps170. In other examples in accordance with this invention, the foilretainers 166A-166H may include cut-out portions 168 and flaps 170 inthe shapes as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Additional shapes may be used forthe cut-out portions 168 and flaps 170 without departing from thisinvention. When the foil retainer 166 is used with the cap 154, thecover 160 may be used or it may not be used. The foil retainer 166 maybe made of a variety of different materials without departing from thisinvention, such as: polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyethylene orpolypropylene closures with internal liners containing oxygen scavengerslike: components of Hyguard™, Celox™, or any other material which isflexible enough to break when pressure is applied from the openingstructure 140, and hard enough to cut or pierce the cover 160 and remainin place, thereby keeping the cover 160 open. As shown in FIGS. 3C and3D, the cartridge 150 may include no cover 160 with a cap 154 or thecartridge 150 may include a cover 160 with no cap 154.

In an additional example in accordance with this invention, the cap 154may include a locating portion 172. The locating portion 172, asillustrated on FIG. 3A, engages with the engagement assembly 122 toproperly position the cartridge 150 within the attachment mechanism 120.

The pod 152 may be made of various materials without departing from thisinvention. For example, the pod 152 may be made of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET). Additionally, the pod 152 may be made of PET incombination (by mixing and/or by using multi-layer structures) withpassive barrier materials and/or oxygen scavengers like: plasma-appliedcoatings of SiOx or amorphous carbon, polyamides, polyglycolic acid,Amosorb™, DiamondClear™, or components of Hyguard™. Additionally, thepod 152 may be made of polyethylene or polypropylene in combination (bymixing and/or by using multilayer structures) with passive barriermaterials and/or oxygen scavengers like: polyamides, ethylene vinylalcohol. Additionally, the pod 152 may be made of aluminum. Othermaterials may be used for the pod 152 in accordance with this invention,such that the material alone or in combination with a barrier systemprotects some beverages or other products that are oxygen sensitive andto avoid excessive loss of water.

FIGS. 4A through 4F illustrate the operation of the beverage dispensingsystem according to examples of this invention. The preparation of thebeverage dispensing system 100 as described above is shown in FIGS.4A-4F. As shown in FIG. 4A, the cartridge 150 is inserted into theattachment mechanism 120 as located in the base of the container 110.The cartridge 150 may be inserted with the cap towards the attachmentmechanism 120.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the cartridge 150 may be rotated to make sure thecartridge 150 is located in the proper location. The locating portion172 located on the cap, engages with the engagement assembly 122 toproperly position the cartridge 150 within the attachment mechanism 120.Additionally, the cartridge sealing portion 138 seals the area aroundthe top of the cartridge 150 to the engagement assembly 122 when thecartridge 150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 120. Thecartridge sealing portion 138 ensures that the liquid or solution iscontained within the cartridge 150 during the mixing process.

As shown in FIG. 4C, the cartridge 150 may be pressed into theattachment mechanism 120, thereby engaging the engagement assembly 122and pressing the cartridge 150 into the locked position. As thecartridge 150 is engaged with the engagement assembly 122, the openingstructure 140 of the piercing portion 124 pierces the opening and thecover 160 on the pod 152, thereby releasing the contents of thecartridge 150 into the container 110. Additionally, as the cartridge 150is engaged with the engagement assembly 122, the valve assembly 126 isengaged and the valve sealing portion 148 is released from the container110. The valve 144 opens into the container 110. As the opening 158 andcover 160 are pierced and the valve 144 opens, the contents of thecontainer 110 and the contents of the cartridge 150 are now able to bemixed together.

As shown in FIG. 4D, the container 110 may be rotated or shaken to mixthe contents of the container 110 and the contents of the cartridge 150.This shaking movement causes the contents to mix together, therebycreating a desired beverage. As shown in FIG. 4E, the beverage is nowready to be consumed.

Once the beverage is consumed by the user, the cartridge 150 can bereleased from the attachment mechanism 120 by using the releasingmechanism 136. As shown in FIG. 4F, the releasing mechanism 136 is arotating bezel, which ejects the cartridge 150 and returns theattachment mechanism 120 to the starting position. The releasingmechanism 136 may also be in the form of a release button or a releaselever as explained above.

In accordance with this invention, a beverage apparatus or machine mayperform the same operation as the container 110 as described above(apparatus not shown). The beverage apparatus may include an attachmentmechanism 120 similar to as described above, wherein the cartridge 150may be inserted into the attachment mechanism 120. Additionally, a glassor cup may be placed under or within the beverage apparatus to hold thedesired beverage.

After the cartridge 150 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 120 ofthe beverage apparatus, the cartridge 150 may then be pressed into theattachment mechanism 120, thereby pressing the cartridge 150 into thelocked position. As the cartridge 150 engages the attachment mechanism,the opening structure 140 pierces the cover 160 on the cartridge 150,thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 150 into the container110. As the cover 160 is pierced, a metered amount of water or otherliquid from a first source may flush through the cartridge 150.Additionally, a metered amount of water or other liquid from a secondsource may be flushed directly into the glass. These first and secondflushes help to ensure the contents of the cartridge 150 are completelyemptied into the glass and that the contents of the cartridge 150 andthe water or other liquid are completely mixed as required.

Additionally, the beverage apparatus may have a mechanical means torotate or shake the glass to assist with mixing the contents of thecontainer 110 and the contents of the cartridge 150. This shakingmovement may cause the contents to mix together, thereby creating thedesired beverage. Once the beverage is consumed by the user, thecartridge 150 can be removed from the beverage apparatus.

FIGS. 5A-8B illustrate additional container configuration according toexamples of this invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 500 with acartridge 550 located at the top of the container 510. FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate an example according to this invention similar to thatdescribed above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same orsimilar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 5A and 5B as those used inFIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In anotherexample in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIG. 5A, thebeverage dispensing system 500 is generally comprised of a container510, an attachment mechanism 520, and a cartridge 550. The container 510may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed withthe contents of the cartridge 550. The cartridge 550 generally engageswith the attachment mechanism 520 to open the cartridge 550 to bedispensed into the container 510, thereby combining the contents of thecartridge 550 with the liquid within the container 510 to create adrinkable beverage.

In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 520 is locatedat the top of the container 510, such that the cartridge 550 is insertedinto the attachment mechanism 520 at the top of the container 510.Additionally, the container 510 may include an area located around thecartridge 550, such that when the cartridge 550 is attached to thecontainer 510, the user can drink from the container 510. The container510 may include an open area around the cartridge 550 for drinking.Additionally, a release mechanism may be located on a side of thecontainer 510. The release mechanism may be in the form of a releasebutton or a release lever, wherein the user may press the release buttonor slide the release lever to release the cartridge. The attachmentmechanism 520 and the cartridge 550 may be any of the configurations asdescribed in this application without departing from the invention.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 600 with acartridge 650 located at the top of the container 610 at an angle. FIGS.6A and 6B illustrate an example according to this invention similar tothat described above in conjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same orsimilar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 6A and 6B as those used inFIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similar parts). In anotherexample in accordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B,the beverage dispensing system 600 is generally comprised of a container610, an attachment mechanism 620, and a cartridge 650. The container 610may hold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed withthe contents of the cartridge 650. The cartridge 650 generally engageswith the attachment mechanism 620 to open the cartridge 650 to bedispensed into the container 610, thereby combining the contents of thecartridge 650 with the liquid within the container 610 to create adrinkable beverage.

In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 620 is locatedat the top of the container 610 at an angle, such that the cartridge 650is inserted into the attachment mechanism 620 at the top angle of thecontainer 610. Additionally, the container 610 may include a drinkingspout 616 located adjacent to the cartridge 650, such that when thecartridge 650 is attached to the container 610, the user can drink fromthe container 610 out of the drinking spout 616. Additionally, a releasemechanism 636 may be located on a side of the container 610. The releasemechanism 636 may be in the form of a release button or a release lever,wherein the user may press the release button or slide the release leverto release the cartridge 650. The attachment mechanism 620 and thecartridge 650 may be any of the configurations as described in thisapplication without departing from the invention.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 700 with acontainer 710 with a hinge 717 and a cartridge 750 located in middle ofthe container 710. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate an example according tothis invention similar to that described above in conjunction with FIGS.1 through 4F (the same or similar reference numbers are used in FIGS. 7Aand 7B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4F to denote the same or similarparts). In another example in accordance with this invention, as shownin FIGS. 7A and 7B, the beverage dispensing system 700 is generallycomprised of a container 710, an attachment mechanism 720, and acartridge 750. The container 710 may hold a mixing solution or liquid,such as water, to be mixed with the contents of the cartridge. Thecartridge generally engages with the attachment mechanism to open thecartridge 750 to be dispensed into the container 710, thereby combiningthe contents of the cartridge 750 with the liquid within the container710 to create a drinkable beverage.

In this example configuration, the container 710 may have a hingedportion 717, such as a top portion 718 of the container 710, wherein thetop portion 718 swings to an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 7B.When the top portion 718 is in the open position, the cartridge 750 canbe inserted into the attachment mechanism 720. The attachment mechanism720 may be located in the middle area of the container 710, such thatthe cartridge 750 is inserted into the attachment mechanism 720 when thetop portion 718 is in the open position. After the cartridge 750 isinserted, the top portion 718 may swing back to a closed position, asillustrated in FIG. 7A. When the top portion 718 is in the closedposition, the beverage may be mixed and the user may drink from thecontainer 710. Additionally, the container 710 may include a drinkingspout 716 located at the top of the container 710. Additionally, arelease mechanism may be located on a side of the container 710. Therelease mechanism may be in the form of a release button or a releaselever, wherein the user may press the release button or slide therelease lever to release the cartridge 750. The attachment mechanism 720and the cartridge 750 may be any of the configurations as described inthis application without departing from the invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a beverage dispensing system 800 with acontainer 810 with a hinge 817 and a cartridge 850 located in the hingedportion 818 of the container 810. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate an exampleaccording to this invention similar to that described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar referencenumbers are used in FIGS. 8A and 8B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4Fto denote the same or similar parts). In another example in accordancewith this invention, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the beveragedispensing system 800 is generally comprised of a container 810, anattachment mechanism 820, and a cartridge 850. The container 810 mayhold a mixing solution or liquid, such as water, to be mixed with thecontents of the cartridge 850. The cartridge 850 generally engages withthe attachment mechanism 820 to open the cartridge 850 to be dispensedinto the container 810, thereby combining the contents of the cartridge850 with the liquid within the container 810 to create a drinkablebeverage.

In this example configuration, the container 810 may have a hingedportion 817, such as a lid 818 on the container 810, wherein the lid 818swings to an open position, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. The lid 818 mayinclude the attachment mechanism 820 located at the top of the container810. The cartridge 850 may be inserted into the attachment mechanism 820when the lid 818 is in the open position. After the cartridge 850 isinserted, the lid 818 may swing back to a closed position, asillustrated in FIG. 8A. When the lid 818 is in the closed position, thebeverage may be mixed and the user may drink from the container 810.Additionally, the container 810 may include a drinking area located atthe top of the container 810 around the cartridge 850. Additionally, auser may drink from the container 810 when the lid 818 is in the openposition. A release mechanism may be located on a top side of thecontainer 810. The release mechanism may be in the form of a releasebutton or a release lever, wherein the user may press the release buttonor slide the release lever to release the cartridge 850. The attachmentmechanism 820 and the cartridge 850 may be any of the configurations asdescribed in this application without departing from the invention.

Additional container configurations may be utilized without departingfrom this invention. Containers such as: multi-serve containers whichmay hold multiple cartridges or bigger cartridges; containers to holdliquid food, such as soup; containers which can used as a glass byremoving the upper portion which contains the attachment mechanism;containers for use in a car or in a sports environment which may have asports closure, such as a push/pull drinking spout; containers for usein airline flights such that the cartridges and water are used to supplydrinks to the passengers; containers which may contain medicated drinkssuch as an aspirin or prescription drugs; containers which may fitwithin a refrigerator that has a tap dispenser and a top that containsthe attachment mechanism; containers that may be hand-held; andcontainers which are much larger that may be located on a counter orshelf, either in a store environment or in a home, to name a few. Again,the teachings and principles of the invention may be applied to anycontainer configuration without departing from the invention.

FIGS. 9A through 13B illustrate additional attachment mechanismconfigurations according to examples of this invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an attachment mechanism 920 with apaddle-type valve assembly 926. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate an exampleaccording to this invention similar to that described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar referencenumbers are used in FIGS. 9A and 9B as those used in FIGS. 1 through 4Fto denote the same or similar parts). In another example in accordancewith this invention, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the attachmentmechanism 920 is generally comprised of an engagement assembly 922, apiercing portion 924, and a valve assembly 926. The engagement assembly922 may generally receive the cartridge 950 within the attachmentmechanism 920. The piercing portion 924 may generally pierce thecartridge 950, thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 950 intothe container 910. The valve assembly 926 may generally open uponengagement of the cartridge 950 with the attachment mechanism 920thereby allowing the mixing of the contents of the container 910 withthe contents of the cartridge 950.

In this example configuration, the attachment mechanism 920 requires atwo-part action to attach the cartridge 950 and open the cartridge 950.First, as shown in FIG. 9A, the cartridge 950 is attached to theengagement assembly 922, wherein the engagement assembly 922 includes alatching structure 928 and a spring 932 to hold the cartridge 950 in alocked position. Once the cartridge 950 is in a locked position, asshown in FIG. 9B, the engagement assembly 922 may be twisted. As theengagement assembly 922 is twisted, the twisting action causes a cam 945within the valve assembly 926 to rotate a valve 944 in the valveassembly 926 upward into the opening of the cartridge 950, therebypiercing the cover 960. With the valve 944 rotating upward, the valve944 may also, simultaneously, open the container 910 to the cartridge950 so that the contents of the container 910 and the contents of thecartridge 950 can mix. The container 910 and cartridges 950 may be anyof the configurations as described in this application without departingfrom the invention.

As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and 10B, in a similar configuration to thepaddle-type valve assembly 1026 as described above, the attachmentmechanism 1020 may be rotated to uncover a hole or a plurality of holes1021, 1023 if more than one cartridge is used. As shown in FIGS. 10A and10B, two cartridges 1050A, 1050B are attached to the attachmentmechanism 1020 with two holes 1021, 1023 located in the attachmentmechanism 1020. The rotation of the attachment mechanism 1020 may enablethe mixing of the contents of the container 1010 with the contents ofthe pod or pods 1050A, 1050B. The attachment mechanism 1020, thecontainer 1010, and the cartridges 1050A, 1050B may be any of theconfigurations as described in this application without departing fromthe invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a piston-typeattachment mechanism 1120. FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an exampleaccording to this invention similar to that described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar referencenumbers are used in FIGS. 11A and 11B as those used in FIGS. 1 through4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another example inaccordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, theattachment mechanism 1120 is generally comprised of an engagementassembly, a crushing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagementassembly may generally receive the cartridge 1150 within the attachmentmechanism. The crushing portion may generally open the cartridge 1150,thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 1150 into the container.The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge1150 with the attachment mechanism 1120 thereby allowing the mixing ofthe contents of the container with the contents of the cartridge 1150.

In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include apiston 1122. The attachment mechanism may also include a base 1124wherein the crushing portion and the valve assembly may be contained. Acartridge 1150 is placed within an opening 1129 in the piston 1122,wherein the opening 1129 is located on the side of the piston 1122. Thepiston 1122 may then be pushed such that the cartridge 1150 is crushedor squeezed against the base 1124. As the piston 1122 is moved againstthe base 1124, a valve 1126 opens to the container, thereby allowing thecontents of the container and the contents of the cartridge to mix.Additionally, as the piston 1122 is moved against the base 1124, thecartridge 1150 is crushed or squeezed, thereby causing the cover 1160 toopen and discharge the contents of the cartridge 1150 into thecontainer. The container and the cartridge 1150 may be any of theconfigurations as described in this application without departing fromthe invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a rotating camtype attachment mechanism 1220. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an exampleaccording to this invention similar to that described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar referencenumbers are used in FIGS. 12A and 12B as those used in FIGS. 1 through4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another example inaccordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, theattachment mechanism 1220 is generally comprised of an engagementassembly, a crushing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagementassembly may generally receive the cartridge 1250 within the attachmentmechanism. The crushing portion may generally open the cartridge,thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 1250 into the container.The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge1250 with the attachment mechanism 1220 thereby allowing the mixing ofthe contents of the container with the contents of the cartridge 1250.

In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include a camassembly 1222 and a base 1224. The cam assembly 1222 may also includetwo cams 1229. The cartridge 1250 may be inserted in between the twocams 1229 through the top of the attachment mechanism 1220. The two cams1229 may be attached to the cam assembly 1222, such that as the base1224 and cam assembly 1222 is rotated, the cams 1229 press inward. Asthe cams 1229 press inward the cams 1229 crush or squeeze the cartridge1250 within the cams 1229, thereby causing the cover of the cartridge1250 to open and discharge the contents of the cartridge 1250 into thecontainer. The container and the cartridge 1250 may be any of theconfigurations as described in this application without departing fromthe invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an attachment mechanism with a plunger-typeattachment mechanism 1320. FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate an exampleaccording to this invention similar to that described above inconjunction with FIGS. 1 through 4F (the same or similar referencenumbers are used in FIGS. 13A and 13B as those used in FIGS. 1 through4F to denote the same or similar parts). In another example inaccordance with this invention, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, theattachment mechanism 1320 is generally comprised of an engagementassembly, a crushing portion, and a valve assembly. The engagementassembly may generally receive the cartridge 1350 within the attachmentmechanism. The crushing portion may generally open the cartridge 1350,thereby releasing the contents of the cartridge 1350 into the container.The valve assembly may generally open upon engagement of the cartridge1350 with the attachment mechanism thereby allowing the mixing of thecontents of the container with the contents of the cartridge 1350.

In this example configuration, the engagement assembly may include aplunger 1322. The attachment mechanism 1320 may also include a base 1324wherein the crushing portion and the valve assembly may be contained. Acartridge 1350 is placed in the top of the base 1324. The plunger 1322may then be pushed such that the cartridge 1350 is crushed or squeezedbetween the plunger 1322 and the base 1324 of the attachment mechanism1320. As the plunger 1322 is moved against the base 1324 of theattachment mechanism 1320, a valve 1326 may open to the container,thereby allowing the contents of the container and the contents of thecartridge 1350 to mix. As the plunger 1322 is moved against the base1324 of the attachment mechanism 1320, the cartridge 1350 is crushed orsqueezed, thereby causing the cover to open and discharge the contentsof the cartridge 1350 into the container. Additionally, the plunger 1322may contain a piercing needle (not shown) wherein the piercing needlepierces the cartridge 1350 as the plunger 1322 is pushed into the base1324 of the attachment mechanism 1320. The container and the cartridge1350 may be any of the configurations as described in this applicationwithout departing from the invention.

Additional attachment mechanisms may be utilized without departing fromthis invention. Attachment mechanism such as: threaded connectionsbetween the container and the attachment mechanism instead of the snapfeature as described above; quarter-turn connections between thecontainer and the attachment mechanism instead of the snap feature asdescribed above; a hand-tool 240 similar to a nut-cracker which holds acartridge and can pierce and open the cartridge by use of the hand-tool240 and thus pouring the contents of the cartridge into a glass 242 (asshown in FIG. 24).

FIGS. 14A through 14C illustrate additional cartridge configurationsaccording to examples of this invention. As illustrated in FIGS. 14Athrough 14C, in another example cartridge configuration, the cartridge1450 may be comprised of multiple pods. As illustrated in FIGS. 14A and14B, the cartridge may comprise two half pods 1450A, 1450B, wherein eachof the half pods 1450A, 1450B can be combined to make one singular pod1450. The contents of each pod 1450A, 1450B may then be mixed with wateror other liquid to form the desired beverage. Each half pod 1450A, 1450Bmay contain syrup, paste, powder, granules or other compositions thatwhen mixed with water or other liquids will result in a beverage. In analternative aspect of the invention, the half pod 1450A, 1450B maycontain an energy boost, nutrients, or vitamin supplement that can beadded to the beverage. The two half pods 1450A, 1450B may be insertedinto an attachment mechanism 1420 located at the bottom of a container1410 as shown in FIG. 14C. Alternatively, the cartridge 1450 may includethree or more pods.

In another example cartridge configuration, the beverage dispensingsystem may include multiple attachment mechanisms, piercing portions,and valve assemblies, such that multiple cartridges may be inserted fora single container or beverage dispensing system. The contents of eachcartridge may then be mixed with water or other liquids to form thedesired beverage. Each cartridge may contain syrup, paste, powder,granules or other compositions that when mixed with water or otherliquids will result in a beverage. In an alternative aspect of theinvention, one or more of the cartridges may contain an energy boost orvitamin supplement that can be added to the beverage. Additionally, oneor more of the cartridges may be a different size, such as smaller orlarger, than the other cartridges.

In another example cartridge configuration, the cartridge may becomprised of multiple chambers each containing the same or differentbeverage-making component. Multiple chambers may be beneficial whenthere are unstable ingredients that must remain separate as part of thebeverage. The contents of each chamber may then be mixed with water orother liquids to form the desired beverage. Each chamber may containsyrup, paste, powder, granules or other compositions that when mixedwith water or other liquids will result in a beverage. In an alternativeaspect of the invention, one of the chambers may contain an energy boostor vitamin supplement that can be added to the beverage.

In another example in accordance with this invention, a beveragedispensing system is directed at a single-serve beverage dispensingsystem. The beverage dispensing system is directed to overcome thedrawbacks and problems with existing beverage dispensing or deliverysystems. A single-serve beverage dispensing system is disclosed in FIGS.15-18C. As illustrated by FIGS. 15-18C, the single-serve beveragedispensing system dispenses a metered amount of water or other liquidthrough a syrup-containing cartridge having the proper amount of syrupto create a single-serve beverage, for example, a soft drink. Asillustrated by FIGS. 15-17, the beverage dispensing system of theinvention permits a consumer in a retail environment or at home tocreate a single-serve beverage by selecting a cartridge containing thedesired beverage ingredients and placing the cartridge into the beveragedispensing system. The consumer then presses a button which activatesthe beverage mixing operation of the system. Once activated, a needleoperatively connected to a water or other liquid supply will drop downand puncture the cartridge through the top and bottom of the cartridge.For a predetermined period of time, the needle will remain in andpartially extending through the cartridge. While the needle ispositioned in the cartridge, water or other liquids are directed to theneedle and allowed to pass through an opening in the end of the needleand through a plurality of apertures positioned around the periphery ofthe needle. The water or other liquids passing through the plurality ofapertures will enter the cartridge and mix with the syrup contained inthe cartridge. Once mixed, the beverage will pass through the puncturedopening created in the bottom of the cartridge and drop into a cuppositioned beneath the cartridge. Water or other liquids willadditionally flow out through the opening in the end of the needle tofurther create the proper consistency and flavor of the beverage. Afterthe beverage has been dispensed into the cup, the consumer may removethe cup and enjoy the beverage. The used cartridge may then bediscarded.

More specifically, and referring to FIGS. 15-17, in an exemplaryembodiment, the beverage system 1508 includes a dispenser housing 1510that includes openings 1512 and 1514 formed in the housing. Opening 1512is sized and shaped to receive a beverage cup 1513 for receiving andcontaining the created beverage dispensed from the beverage system.Opening 1514 is sized and shaped to receive a cartridge 1516 thatcontains syrup, which is mixed with water or other liquids to make thebeverage. The opening 1514 and cartridge 1516 define a matingconfiguration in that the cartridge 1516 is shaped to match the shape ofthe opening 1514, and vice versa. With this configuration, onlycartridges having a shape that matches the shape of the opening 1514 canbe inserted into the opening 1514, thereby preventing undesirable ornon-matching cartridges or containers from being used with the beveragesystem. The beverage system further includes a button or switch 1520that a consumer presses to activate the beverage system.

Positioned within the housing 1510 is a water (or other liquid) supplysystem that includes a water supply line 1521 operatively connected atone end to a water source, and at an opposing end to a needle 1523. Thewater (or other liquid) source may be either carbonated ornon-carbonated water, or may be any other suitable liquid that can bemixed with the syrup contained within the cartridge. As illustrated inFIG. 25, the needle 1523 defines a pointed or sharp open end 1525 thatas explained above is used to puncture the cartridge 1516. The needle1523 further defines an elongated tube-like body 1527 that furtherdefines a plurality of apertures 1529 positioned around the periphery ofthe tube body 1527 of the needle 1523. Once positioned within thecartridge 1516, the apertures 1529 permit water or other liquidstraveling through the tube body 1527 to pass into the cartridge 1516 tomix with syrup contained with the cartridge 1516. As should beunderstood, the needle 1523 may define numerous other configurationsthat permit the puncturing of the cartridge 1516 and passing of water orother liquids into the cartridge 1516.

The cartridge 1516 may define a single chamber, or may define multiplechambers each containing the same or different beverage-makingcomponent. The contents of each chamber may then be mixed with water orother liquid to form the desired beverage. Each chamber may containsyrup, paste, powder, granules or other compositions that when mixedwith water or other liquids will result in a beverage. In an alternativeaspect of the invention, the cartridge may contain an energy boost orvitamin supplement that can be added to the beverage.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the cartridge may define a dome-shapedconfiguration made of a plastic material. The dome shape creates the oneor more chambers within the cartridge. Aluminum foil 1524 or a similarsealing material may be positioned across the cartridge to seal thecontents within the cartridge. The aluminum foil may include productinformation or other indicia printed thereon, or may containinstructions as to how to use the cartridge and/or beverage system. Theuse of aluminum foil and plastic with the cartridge permits the needleto easily penetrate and puncture the foil and plastic. It should beunderstood that numerous other shapes and configurations of thecartridge are possible and that the depicted dome shape is merelyexemplary of the numerous alternative configurations.

Referring to FIGS. 18A through 18C, the beverage system 1508 may alsoinclude a housing 1528 containing numerous cartridges each containing adifferent beverage flavor or ingredient giving the consumer numerouschoices for a beverage, unlike the limited options with existingbeverage systems. In one embodiment, the cartridges may be positioned inan array with the product information relating to the cartridge readilyvisible to the consumer, the array creating an aesthetically pleasingconsumer impression. The housing may contain various eye-catching colorsand advertisements to attract the attention of the consumers. Thebeverage system 1508 may also include a cup-holding housing 1530 thatcontains numerous stacked cups 1513 that are also readily accessible toa consumer. The housing 1530 may include one or more cup-holdingopenings 1534 to accommodate multiple sized cups. The beverage housings1510, 1528 and 1530 are all modular to provide flexibility in placingthe beverage system within a retail store environment to enhance thevisibility of the system, and are sufficiently lightweight and compactto permit each to sit on top of a counter within the store, or at anyother desired location within the store.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, the beverage system may be packaged innumerous configurations. FIG. 19 depicts a beverage system 1540 that maybe used at home where a cartridge may be placed within the opening 1542and upon pressing the dispensing button 1544, water or other liquidsstored within water housing 1546 mixes with the contents of thecartridge, similar to the manner described above, to make the desiredbeverage. FIG. 20 depicts yet another beverage system 1550 that operatesin the same manner as described herein but utilizes large watercontainers 1552, similar to those used in drinking coolers. Still otherpackaging options are possible with the invention.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the beverage system 1560 may be configuredwith a refrigerator 1562. The beverage system 1560 may be mounted in orto the refrigerator, or attached as a stand-alone unit to therefrigerator. If the beverage system 1560 is mounted in or to therefrigerator, the system 1560 may be accessible from the exterior of therefrigerator (FIGS. 21 and 23) or may be accessible from the interior ofthe refrigerator (FIG. 22). As illustrated in FIG. 22, the beveragesystem may be mounted within a compartment located within therefrigerator. As illustrated in FIG. 23, the beverage systems may beincorporated with the ice/water dispensing system of the refrigerator.With each of these alternative embodiments, the beverage system 1560 maybe attached to the drinking water supply of the refrigerator. If thebeverage system 1560 is attached to the refrigerator as a stand-aloneunit, it may be connected to the drinking water supply of therefrigerator. As with the other embodiments described herein, thecartridge 1570 may be placed within an opening 1564 and upon pressingthe dispensing button, water from refrigerator 1562 mixes with thecontents of the cartridge, similar to the manner described above, tomake the desired beverage, which will then be dispensed into a cup 1574.

Described below is a detailed description of additional aspects of thisinvention, specifically a method of producing a beverage using abeverage dispensing system. Additional aspects of this disclosure relateto methods of producing a beverage using a beverage dispensing system inaccordance with examples of this disclosure. Such methods may include,for example, one or more of the following steps in any desired orderand/or combinations: (a) inserting a cartridge into a container; (b)rotating or positioning the cartridge into location within an attachmentmechanism; (c) pressing on the cartridge thereby engaging the cartridgewith the engagement assembly, releasing the valve assembly, and piercingthe foil seal with the piercing portion; (d) mixing the contents of thecontainer; (e) drinking the beverage from the container; and (f)releasing the cartridge from the container.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and the arrangement of thecomponents set forth herein. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present invention. It should be understood that the inventiondisclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations oftwo or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from thetext and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitutevarious alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodimentsdescribed herein explain the best modes known for practicing theinvention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize theinvention.

We claim:
 1. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a container; anattachment mechanism coupled to the container, the attachment mechanismcomprising an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, a valve, and anelevator cooperatively engaged with the valve; and a cartridge adaptedto engage the attachment mechanism at the engagement assembly, thecartridge comprising a chamber, an opening, and a cover located over theopening, the cover being cuttable and foldable during engagement of thecartridge and the attachment mechanism, the cartridge further comprisinga cap attached to the top of the chamber, wherein the cap includes afoil retainer wherein when the cartridge engages the engagementassembly, the piercing portion pushes against the foil retainer, therebypiercing the cover with the foil retainer; wherein, when the cartridgeis engaged with the attachment mechanism, the engagement assembly holdsthe cartridge within the attachment mechanism, the piercing portionpierces through the cover, and the valve extends into the container; andfurther wherein the valve is hinged at one end such that, when thecartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, the elevator pushesthe valve and swings the valve to an open position, leaving thecartridge cover cut and folded open.
 2. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the cap includes a locating feature,wherein the locating feature engages with the engagement assembly toproperly position the cartridge within the attachment mechanism.
 3. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the foilretainer holds the cover open without allowing the cover to close overthe opening.
 4. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein the foil retainer has a cut-out in the shape of a cross.
 5. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridgeis generally a circular-shaped structure.
 6. The beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 1, wherein the cover is a foil cover.
 7. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the cartridgeholds one or more beverage ingredients.
 8. The beverage dispensingsystem according to claim 7, wherein the one or more beverageingredients are selected from the list comprising: syrup, paste, powder,or granules.
 9. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 7,wherein the container holds a liquid.
 10. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 9, wherein the liquid is non-carbonated water. 11.The beverage dispensing system according to claim 9, wherein when thevalve extends into the container, the cartridge is opened into thecontainer thereby allowing the one or more beverage ingredients to mixwith the mixing solution.
 12. The beverage dispensing system accordingto claim 1, wherein the cartridge includes a first chamber and a secondchamber.
 13. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 12,wherein the first chamber holds a first beverage ingredient and thesecond chamber holds a second beverage ingredient.
 14. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 13, wherein the second beverageingredient includes a vitamin.
 15. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 13, wherein the second beverage ingredient includesan energy boost.
 16. The beverage dispensing system according to claim1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a cartridge sealing portionbetween the cartridge and the engagement assembly.
 17. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanismincludes an internal sealing portion between the piercing portion andthe engagement assembly.
 18. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a base sealingportion between the engagement assembly and the valve.
 19. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes arelease mechanism that releases the cartridge from the attachmentmechanism.
 20. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein the attachment mechanism is located at the top of the container,such that the cartridge is inserted into the attachment mechanism at thetop of the container.
 21. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is located at the top of thecontainer at an angle.
 22. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 1, wherein the container includes a drinking spout.
 23. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 1, wherein the containerhas a hinged portion located in the middle of the container and a topportion that swings to an open position, wherein the cartridge isinserted into the attachment mechanism when the top portion is in theopen position.
 24. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein the container has a hinged portion located at the top of thecontainer and a lid that swings to an open position, wherein thecartridge is inserted into the attachment mechanism located in the lid.25. A beverage dispensing system comprising: a container; an attachmentmechanism coupled to the container, the attachment mechanism comprisingan engagement assembly, a piercing portion, a valve, and an elevatorcooperatively engaged with the valve; and a cartridge adapted to engagethe attachment mechanism at the engagement assembly, the cartridge beinga generally circular shaped structure and comprising a chamber, anopening, and a cover located over the opening, the cover being cuttableand foldable during engagement of the cartridge and the attachmentmechanism, the cartridge further comprising a cap attached to the top ofthe chamber, wherein the cap includes a foil retainer wherein when thecartridge engages the engagement assembly, the piercing portion pushesagainst the foil retainer, thereby piercing the cover with the foilretainer, and further wherein the cartridge is configured to hold one ormore beverage ingredients; wherein when the cartridge is engaged withthe attachment mechanism, the engagement assembly holds the cartridgewithin the attachment mechanism, the piercing portion pierces throughthe cover, and the valve extends into the container, and further whereinthe valve is directly connected to the elevator such that when thecartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, the elevator pushesthe valve to an open position, leaving the cartridge cover cut andfolded open.
 26. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 25,wherein the cap includes a locating feature wherein the locating featureengages with the engagement assembly to properly position the cartridgewithin the attachment mechanism.
 27. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the foil retainer holds the cover openwithout allowing the cover to close over the opening.
 28. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the foil retainer has acut-out in the shape of a cross.
 29. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the cover is a foil cover.
 30. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the one ormore beverage ingredients are selected from the list comprising: syrup,paste, powder, or granules.
 31. The beverage dispensing system accordingto claim 25, wherein the container holds a liquid.
 32. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 31, wherein the liquid isnon-carbonated water.
 33. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 31, wherein when the valve extends into the container, thecartridge is opened into the container thereby allowing the one or morebeverage ingredients to mix with the mixing solution.
 34. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the cartridge includesa first chamber and a second chamber.
 35. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 34, wherein the first chamber holds a first beverageingredient and the second chamber holds a second beverage ingredient.36. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 35, wherein thesecond beverage ingredient includes a vitamin.
 37. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 35, wherein the second beverageingredient includes an energy boost.
 38. The beverage dispensing systemaccording to claim 25, wherein the attachment mechanism includes acartridge sealing portion between the cartridge and the engagementassembly.
 39. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 25,wherein the attachment mechanism includes an internal sealing portionbetween the piercing portion and the engagement assembly.
 40. Thebeverage dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the attachmentmechanism includes a base sealing portion between the engagementassembly and the valve.
 41. The beverage dispensing system according toclaim 25, wherein the container includes a release mechanism thatreleases the cartridge from the attachment mechanism.
 42. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the attachmentmechanism is located at the top of the container, such that thecartridge is inserted into the attachment mechanism at the top of thecontainer.
 43. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 25,wherein the attachment mechanism is located at the top of the containerat an angle.
 44. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 25,wherein the container includes a drinking spout.
 45. The beveragedispensing system according to claim 25, wherein the container has ahinged portion located in the middle of the container and a top portionthat swings to an open position, wherein the cartridge is inserted intothe attachment mechanism when the top portion is in the open position.46. The beverage dispensing system according to claim 25, wherein thecontainer has a hinged portion located at the top of the container and alid that swings to an open position, wherein the cartridge is insertedinto the attachment mechanism located in the lid.